Chatham Tree Removal Services

Our Tree Removal Process

Contact Chatham's Department of Public Works for Tree Permits & Municipal Oversight

Tree removal on public property or within Chatham’s public ways is governed by a robust municipal framework designed to protect the community’s urban forest. The Chatham tree protection ordinance requires a permit for removal of protected species with a diameter of 6-8 inches DBH or any tree 8+ inches on public property. Applications must be submitted to the Department of Public Works (DPW) with 7-14 days advance notice, and significant removals may trigger a public hearing. The DPW reviews applications, conducts site inspections, and issues approvals or denials with written justification. Emergency authorizations are available for hazardous conditions, and there are established procedures for appeals or variances. Special protections apply to parkway and heritage trees, with possible replacement or bond requirements. Enforcement includes penalties for unauthorized removals. The DPW also coordinates municipal forestry, storm response, and public notifications, and integrates tree management with capital improvements and the urban forest master plan.

Chatham Department of Public Works
549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works

Understanding Tree Health Assessment & Professional Certification Requirements in Chatham

Chatham mandates that all tree health assessments and risk evaluations be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist. These professionals assess structural integrity, identify hazards, and assign risk ratings (low to extreme), providing formal documentation for municipal review. For complex or high-risk cases, a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is required. Arborists must also hold a Massachusetts license where applicable, and additional certifications are needed for pesticide application or crane operation. Health evaluations focus on decay, cavities, cracks, lean, disease, and pest infestations—especially from winter moth, spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and hemlock woolly adelgid, which affect local oaks, maples, birches, beeches, and pines. Alternatives to removal, such as structural pruning, cabling, soil improvement, and integrated pest management (IPM), are considered to preserve valuable trees whenever feasible.

Massachusetts Environmental Protection Requirements for Tree Removal & Water Quality Protection

Tree removal in Chatham must comply with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations, especially near sensitive areas. The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40) requires coordination with the Chatham Conservation Commission for any work within 25-50+ feet buffer zones of wetlands, streams, or rivers. Permits may require erosion control, stormwater management, and immediate stabilization after stump removal to protect water quality under the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act (M.G.L. c. 21) and MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards. Wildlife protection includes nesting bird surveys (March-August) and bat habitat assessments for large cavity trees, with consultation from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. Invasive species and pest-infested debris must be properly disposed of, and all work must follow best practices from the MA Urban Manual and EPA NPDES guidelines.

Chatham Conservation Commission
549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5164
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/392/Conservation-Commission

Municipal Tree Protection Ordinances & Public Tree Management in Chatham

Chatham’s tree protection ordinances set clear thresholds for permits on both private and public property, with special designations for heritage and landmark trees based on diameter and species. The permit process requires detailed documentation and may involve coordination with the Chatham Building Division for removals affecting structures, the Chatham Planning Division for site alterations, and utility companies for line clearance. Emergency protocols are in place for storm damage, and public notification is required for removals of public trees. Enforcement includes reporting violations, issuing citations, and stop-work orders, with appeals and correction procedures available. Contractors must carry general liability insurance (1M minimum, 2M aggregate recommended), workers’ compensation, and municipal bonding for public contracts. Public tree management is supported by tree inventories, GIS mapping, systematic inspections, and community planting initiatives, all guided by an urban forest master plan.

Chatham Building Division
549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5168
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/174/Building-Division
Chatham Planning Division
549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5169
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/202/Planning-Division

Safety Regulations & Utility Coordination for Tree Removal Operations in Chatham

Safety is paramount in all tree removal operations. The Chatham Building Division oversees permits for large removals near structures, ensuring compliance with building codes and utility coordination. All work must adhere to OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.266, 1926 Subpart R), with required PPE such as hard hats, eye and chainsaw protection, and certified climbing gear. Rigging and aerial lift operators must be certified, and fall protection is mandatory for aerial work. Utility companies must be notified in advance, and Dig Safe (811) requires a 48-hour notice before any root zone excavation. A 10-foot clearance is required for work near power lines, and only qualified line clearance arborists may operate in these areas. Public safety measures include street closure permits, traffic control plans, and coordination with the Chatham Police Department for emergency response and pedestrian protection. Contractors must maintain insurance and bonding to cover property and environmental risks.

Proper Tree Debris Disposal Through Chatham's Municipal Programs & Massachusetts Waste Requirements

Chatham follows Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection waste reduction policies, prohibiting tree debris in household trash and promoting organic waste diversion. Residents and contractors must use the municipal Transfer Station or composting facility, which accepts logs, brush, and stumps (subject to hours, permits, and fees). Seasonal brush pickup is available, with size limits of 4-foot lengths and 50-pound bundles, and special collections are organized after storms. Wood waste may be chipped for mulch, processed for firewood, or diverted to sawmills and biomass facilities, supporting urban wood utilization. Storm debris management may involve FEMA coordination and regional mutual aid. All disposal must comply with state and local regulations to protect water quality and prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Protecting Chatham's Urban Forest Through Replacement Requirements & Community Stewardship

Chatham’s urban forest management emphasizes replacement of removed trees with native or climate-adapted species, typically 2-3 inch caliper, and adherence to planting location and spacing standards. Replacement may be required on-site or through in-lieu fees if planting is not feasible. The town aims for 30-40% canopy coverage and promotes species diversity (no more than 10% single species, 20% single genus) to enhance climate resilience. Community involvement is encouraged through volunteer planting, Arbor Day events, tree care workshops, and citizen science initiatives. Long-term planning includes succession strategies for aging trees, integration with green infrastructure, and alignment with sustainability and climate action plans. Preservation of heritage trees is supported by professional maintenance, structural support, and pest management.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Chatham, MA?

Chatham’s neighborhoods each present unique tree management challenges and regulatory considerations. In Old Village, historic district reviews and narrow streets require careful planning, with many heritage trees and mature oaks subject to special protection. North Chatham features a mix of older maples and pines, with increased pest pressure from winter moth and spongy moth, and proximity to wetlands necessitating Conservation Commission permits. South Chatham’s coastal areas face salt exposure and storm damage, with infrastructure limitations for large equipment. West Chatham’s business district requires coordination for traffic control and parking, while Riverbay and Chathamport have HOA regulations, deed restrictions, and steep slopes needing erosion control. Across all neighborhoods, access logistics, utility proximity, and community engagement levels influence permit timelines and operational planning.

Chatham Municipal Ordinances for Tree Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Chatham’s ordinances regulate equipment operation hours (typically 7:00 AM-8:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM weekends; verify local bylaws), noise levels, and residential area restrictions. Commercial tree services must hold a valid business license, register with the municipality, and provide proof of insurance (1M liability minimum, workers’ compensation, property damage) and bonding for public contracts. Arborist certification and continuing education are required. Safety protocols include traffic control, work zone setup, and public notification, with right-of-way permits and emergency contact information mandated. Environmental compliance covers debris containment, vehicle maintenance, immediate cleanup, and documentation of waste disposal, all under the oversight of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and local stormwater protection standards. These measures ensure that tree removal in Chatham is conducted safely, responsibly, and in accordance with community values and environmental stewardship.